Now, this is fun. You may have heard that Apple ditched Google maps and navigation data to create their very own new Maps app using Tom Tom data. While some of the pros and cons of such a move are beyond this little iOS tip today, a little hidden feature of the new Maps App is not.

So, if you have an iOS device that will support it, try this fun little trick out, and let us know what you think in the comments below.

Launch Maps in iOS 6, and be sure to tap the little flap in the lower right corner and choose Satellite or Hybrid view; it won’t work in Standard view.

Now, once you’re able to see the satellite imagery, start pinching in, like you would to zoom out. Keep pinching in and zooming out, and eventually you’ll start to see the curvature of the earth. Then you’ll see the globe itself. How fun is that? You can spin the globe around in 3D and get a glimpse at what only astronauts are privileged to see in real life.

Unfortunately, you can’t search for stuff in globe view, as the Maps app will zoom in again once you hit the search button. But, it’s a fun way to mess around for a few minutes with the planet we’re on, right?

Ya because you know something no one should write about it ever right? Also, whats going on at the end there, is that pac-man dying?

Rowanova

It doesn’t work on my iPhone 4 either. But Google Earth does this. And yes, it can be entertaining. It would be nice if Apple would get there maps up to speed…across all devices too…apparently.

Rowanova

It doesn’t work on my iPhone 4 either. But Google Earth does this. And yes, it can be entertaining. It would be nice if Apple would get there maps up to speed…across all devices too…apparently.

TylerHoj

Haha. Earth boobs.

Ramon36

Thanks, Rob.

About the author

Rob LeFebvre is an Anchorage, Alaska-based writer and editor who has contributed to various tech, gaming and iOS sites, including 148Apps, Creative Screenwriting, Shelf-Awareness, VentureBeat, and Paste Magazine. Feel free to find Rob on Twitter @roblef, and send him a cookie once in a while; he'll really appreciate it.

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